Elections will be held in Allerdale for the Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as five vacant borough council seats, two vacant Cumbria County Council seats and four seats on Workington Town Council.    

There are a number of ways to vote in the elections in May – by post, in a polling station, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.    

The deadline for residents to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April 2020, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27 April.   

Voters can apply for an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm on the day of the election, with those who have tested positive or are self-isolating due to Covid-19 are not required to provide proof from a medical professional.     

The deadline to register to vote if you are not already on the electoral register is midnight on 19 April 2021. It is particularly important that those who have recently turned 18 or moved home, act now to check and ensure that they are registered to vote. Anyone with any queries should contact the council’s local elections team.    

Andrew Seekings, Returning Officer for Allerdale Borough Council, said:     

“The elections are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Allerdale.    

“Whichever way you choose to cast your vote in May we’re putting arrangements in place to help you stay safe. At the polling station you can expect many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as screens, hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks. But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.    

We also want to make sure you can take part in these elections. They are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life. If you’re not registered by 19 April, you won’t be able to vote.”    

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said:     

“The choice on how to vote in May’s elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy.     

“If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly.     

“You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online ”.    

Residents can visit the Frequently Asked Questions on the council’s website to find out more about the elections on 6 May 2021. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available.  

Any residents who have questions can also contact their local elections team by email  or on 0303 123 1731.